A Walk in the Park | Compton Gardens: A gem within reach

Recently I spent a peaceful morning strolling through Compton Gardens in Bentonville.

This impressive 6.5-acre site has been developed into beautiful native and woodland gardens containing many trees, plants, grasses, wildflowers and more. Creative landscaping incorporates many other natural features. The leafy overhead canopy provided a cool, shady morning walk that at times gave the sensation of being deep in the woods. Enhanced by singing birds, a babbling stream and the fragrance of flower blossoms floating through the air, this place, although located three blocks from the downtown square, has a Garden of Eden get-awayfeel.

Compton Gardens opened in 2005 at the former residence of the late Dr. Neil Compton. Dr. Compton was a local physician, photographer and nature lover who is well known for his crusadeto save the Buffalo National River as a free flowing stream. The Compton home, following complete remodel, now contains offices, interpretive space and a conference center.

During my visit, I talked with site manager and horticulturist Corrin Troutman, who provided some additional information. The garden is “dedicated to the advancement and appreciation of gardening, horticulture and conservation within an aesthetic landscape.” Over 150 native species of trees, plants, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers have been reintroduced on the grounds.There are 55 species of trees represented on site, including two state champions.

Compton Gardens is a free, public garden that is open every day from dawn to dusk. It serves as the official pedestrian entrance from the square to Crystal Bridges Museum. Private tours may be arranged for groups of children oradults. The site’s conference center may be rented for events such as weddings, receptions, seminars and reunions.

The grounds can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The meandering paved pathways are wheelchair accessible and handy for bicycles and strollers. Some visitors apparently come with multiple purposes. During my visit, I noticed a couple of people with tennis shoes and i-pods utilizing scenic paths as running trails.

With many varieties of butterfly- and moth-enticing wildflowers in bloom, my morning visit to the garden naturally offered ample opportunities to test my photography skills. I moved along slowly with camera in hand, zooming in to try for nice close-up shots of flowers or fluttering butterflies. And, if Ihappened to capture both in the same photo, that was even better.

To further add to my enjoyment, late in my walk I encountered a doe as she nibbled on something beside the trail. As I watched and eased closer, I was delighted to discover that the deer was neither in a hurry to move along nor camera shy.

Compton Gardens is another real gem located right here in our own backyard. l hope readers will take advantage of an opportunity to discover it for themselves.

It is located an easy halfhour drive from home, admission is free and it showcases nature’s botanical beauty in a peaceful setting that suits visitors of all ages. What a great place!

For more information, visit the garden’s Web site at www.peelcompton.org or call 254-3870.

Compton Gardens is located at 312 North Main Street in Bentonville.

Annette Rowe is a freelance writer and a speechlanguage pathologist at Siloam Springs High School. She may be reached by email at awalkinthepark50 @ yahoo.com.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 06/23/2010